The only problem with literature-themed adult coloring books is that they’re overwhelmingly written by and about white people. That’s not awesome! For some names in diverse coloring, check out Coloring Book Addict and Autostraddle.
Abecedarium: An Adult Coloring Book for Bibliophiles by Lilla Vekerdy and Morgan Aronson
Those gorgeous illuminated letters from ancient manuscripts are now yours to color. For the full effect, throw on some Gregorian chants and wear your bathrobe.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Whimsical Coloring Book for Adults and Kids by Julia Rivers
There are a lot—and I do mean A LOT—of Alice in Wonderland coloring books. This is one of the most original and creative.
Bait: Off-Color Stories for You to Color by Chuck Palahniuk, Duncan Fegredo, Lee Bermejo, Joelle Jones, and Alise Gluskova
Good old Chuck has created a series of short stories that you can color. No guarantees on which ones will make you want to pass out.
The Best of Harry Potter Coloring
J.K. Rowling never said that Dumbledore’s robes weren’t made of dazzling rainbow silk. In fact, she’ll probably come out with that in the next week or so. Lean in.
A Bestiary of Tolkien Coloring by Mauro Mazzara and Andrea Piparo
The beasties of The Lord Of The Rings are particularly intricate and full of teeth and horns and things. May your pencils be as sharp as Andúril, Flame of the West.
Bookish: A Coloring Book for Book Lovers by Jessica Hildreth
Featuring lots of books and readers, this is a great way to revel in meta-book culture rather than choosing just one classic to dive into.
Anne of Green Gables: A Coloring Book Visit to Prince Edward Island by Jae-Eun Lee
I imagine that Anne might have been a great colorer. Her super-tense foster mom could probably have benefitted, too.
The Dr. Seuss Coloring Book by Dr. Seuss
Would you, could you, color stuff? Would you, or is it too tough?
Edgar Allan Poe: An Adult Coloring Book by Odessa Begay
Break out those spooky colors! Or, you know, pastels. Something about The Fall Of The House Of Usher in pink is a little more ridiculous than horrifying.
Famous African American Women by Janet Baine Kopito and Cal Massey
Featuring Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, and others, this coloring book will bring your Black female literary heroes to life on the page.
Love Between the Lines: An Adult Coloring Book for Book Lovers by Christina Collie
There are a bunch of tiny little book covers in the pictures for this coloring book. I like to individually mock them up as my favorite horror titles. Hey there, Haunting of Hill House!
The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book: An Adult Coloring Book by George R.R. Martin
Winter is coming! Stock up your coloring books so that you won’t get bored by the fire.
The Official Outlander Coloring Book: An Adult Coloring Book by Diana Gabaldon
This book was the official winner of the 2017 Librarians’ White Elephant Holiday Giveaway Bash. Readers, people fight over this book. Serious relaxation fun.
Pride and Prejudice: A Coloring Classic by Jane Austen and Chellie Carroll
As with Alice in Wonderland, there are a lot of Jane Austen coloring books. I like this one the best because its art is the best, plain and simple. In the sense that the art is intricate and elaborate, of course.
Terry Pratchett’s Discoworld Coloring Book by Terry Pratchett and Paul Kidby
Who wouldn’t want to sit down and color with Granny Weatherwax? Zany colors of magic a must.
The World of Debbie Macomber: Come Home to Color: An Adult Coloring Book by Debbie Macomber
Coloring is already a very soothing activity. This tie-in to the work of Debbie Macomber will take that to the next level.
